Maryland basketball continues to heat up on the recruiting trail, snagging Chicago forward Aleks Alston as their latest commitment. Alston, who stands tall at 6 feet 10 inches, has made waves as a face-up forward and is currently ranked No. 104 overall and No. 22 among power forwards in the Class of 2025 Composite Rankings. His decision to join the Terps marks a pivotal moment for first-year coach Buzz Williams, who has been diligently crafting a promising roster.
Alston’s basketball journey saw him choose Maryland over other top choices like N.C. State, UNLV, and Serbian professional team KK Mega.
His recruitment included offers from renowned programs such as Oregon, Michigan State, and Indiana. However, Maryland’s appeal proved irresistible, with Alston making a low-profile visit to campus a few weeks ago that kept the basketball community buzzing.
"We kept things under wraps intentionally," shared his father and AAU coach, Reno Alston. "In a scenario where bigger programs from the Big 12 and SEC were vying for his attention, Waves of offers were coming in.
But what we've seen from Maryland and how Coach Buzz and Coach Rock are building their program was pivotal in our decision. They’ve surpassed expectations.
This is a roster that’s not just built to compete, but to thrive in the tournament, offering a family atmosphere that was crucial for us."
Alston joins an impressive group of recent Maryland recruits, including Kansas transfer Rakease Passmore and Illinois wing Jaziah Harper. Alston wraps up a strategic roster build, boasting an impressive stat line from his senior season at Kenwood High: a shooting percentage of 57, alongside averages of 17 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Standing as a high-ceiling prospect, there's room for Alston to grow, particularly in terms of adding some muscle to his 205-pound frame. However, his towering size complements his sharpshooting prowess, earning him the nickname "The Serbian Sniper." With dual Serbian citizenship in the works, his international appeal was palpable, making him a prime target for overseas teams like KK Mega.
Reno Alston emphasized his son’s versatility, "Many see him as a power forward, but he’s really an all-around player capable of handling different positions, from a shooting guard to power forward. His passing is exceptional, which leaps out when you watch him play. He’s not just about scoring but also possesses incredible court vision—quick to pass when defenses collapse."
Alston’s multifaceted game, highlighted by his shooting, guarantees that fans will be in for a treat. As Maryland fans gear up for the upcoming season, Aleks Alston looks like another exciting piece in Coach Williams' puzzle—a player who’s not just shooting the ball but redefining the way the game is played.
